Craving Crispy Chicken? Discover Your New Favorite Oven-Baked Recipe!
There’s an undeniable allure to classic fried chicken – that golden-brown, extra-crispy exterior giving way to tender, juicy meat. Sometimes, the craving hits hard, and the thought of a bucket of KFC Extra Crispy is almost irresistible. However, the good news is that you don’t always have to succumb to the deep fryer to satisfy that craving. We’ve perfected an incredibly delicious oven-baked chicken recipe that delivers all the crunch and moisture you desire, without the guilt and mess of traditional frying. This recipe consistently turns out fantastic, offering a perfect crunch on the outside and wonderfully moist chicken on the inside, making it an instant family favorite.
Imagine serving up this delightful baked chicken alongside some creamy Copy Cat KFC Cole Slaw and a generous helping of fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s a complete meal that promises to bring smiles and satisfaction to everyone at the table. This is comfort food at its best, reimagined for your busy lifestyle and health-conscious choices.
The Secret to Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Never Guess Again!
One of the biggest challenges in cooking chicken is ensuring it’s perfectly done – not undercooked, not overcooked, but just right. Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough, while undercooked chicken poses health risks. That’s why a reliable meat thermometer is an absolute kitchen essential. It takes all the guesswork out of the process, guaranteeing succulent results every single time.
Don’t second-guess whether your chicken is done or not. ThisThermapen Mk4 is hands down the best meat thermometer I have ever owned! It provides lightning-fast and accurate readings, making it indispensable for any home cook. Knowing the precise internal temperature means you can pull your chicken from the oven at the exact moment it reaches perfection, locking in all those delicious juices. For chicken, the safe internal temperature is 165°F (74°C), but for bone-in cuts, I recommend aiming for 180°F (82°C) for optimal texture and doneness, ensuring the meat near the bone is fully cooked and tender.
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Print Recipe
Easy Oven Baked Chicken
Equipment
- Thermapen Mk4 Instant-read Thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 2/3 cup Original Bisquick
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 whole chicken cut up about 3- 3 1/2 pounds
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425 degrees F (220°C). Melt butter in a 9×13 inch baking dish in the oven while it preheats. This ensures a hot, sizzling base for the chicken.
- In a large plastic bag (like a gallon-sized freezer bag), combine the Bisquick, paprika, salt, and pepper. Shake the bag well to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Add one piece of chicken at a time to the bag, shaking it to coat each piece evenly. Ensure the chicken is fully covered with the seasoned Bisquick mixture.
- Carefully place each coated piece of chicken, skin side down, into the hot baking dish with the melted butter. Arranging them skin-side down first helps the skin get extra crispy as it cooks in the butter and against the hot pan.
- Bake for 35 minutes. Then, carefully turn the chicken pieces over so the skin side is now facing up. Continue to bake for another 15 minutes, or until the juices run clear when pierced with a fork, and the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees F (82°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.
Nutrition
Mastering the Crispy-Juicy Balance: Essential Tips for Baked Chicken Success
Achieving that coveted crispy skin and moist interior isn’t just about the right ingredients; it’s also about technique. Here are a few invaluable tips to ensure your oven-baked chicken is a showstopper every time:
- Start Hot, Finish Hot: Preheating your oven to a higher temperature (like 425°F/220°C) is crucial. The initial high heat helps to crisp up the skin quickly. Melting butter in the baking dish while the oven preheats creates a sizzling hot surface that immediately starts crisping the chicken skin when it makes contact.
- The Power of the Coating: The Bisquick mixture isn’t just for flavor; it’s a key player in creating that delightful crunchy crust. Ensure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. The starch in the Bisquick, combined with the butter and high heat, creates a texture remarkably similar to fried chicken.
- Skin Side Down First: Placing the chicken skin-side down into the hot butter at the beginning of the cooking process is a game-changer. This allows the skin to render its fat and crisp up significantly before being flipped, ensuring a perfectly golden and crunchy exterior.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your chicken pieces space! If the baking dish is too crowded, the chicken will steam rather than roast, preventing the skin from getting truly crispy. Use a larger pan or two pans if necessary to ensure good air circulation around each piece.
- Monitor Temperature, Not Just Time: As mentioned, a reliable instant-read thermometer like the Thermapen Mk4 is your best friend. While the recipe provides a good cooking time estimate, chicken pieces vary in size and thickness. Always check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the meat (without touching the bone) to confirm doneness. Aim for 180°F (82°C) for bone-in chicken.
- Rest Your Chicken: Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
Ingredient Insights and Smart Substitutions
This recipe relies on simple, accessible ingredients, but understanding their role can help you master the dish and even experiment with variations:
- Original Bisquick: This ready-made baking mix is the secret to the quick, crispy coating. It contains flour, leavening agents, and shortening, all contributing to the texture. If you don’t have Bisquick, you can create a similar coating by combining all-purpose flour with a touch of baking powder, salt, and maybe a pinch of cream of tartar, then adding your spices. However, for the best “fried-like” crust, Bisquick is highly recommended.
- Paprika, Salt, and Pepper: These foundational spices add essential flavor and a beautiful reddish-orange hue to the chicken. Feel free to customize! You can add garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick, or even some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
- Whole Chicken, Cut Up: Using a whole chicken ensures you get a variety of dark and white meat pieces, each offering a slightly different texture and flavor profile. Bone-in, skin-on pieces are crucial for this recipe as the skin is what gets wonderfully crispy and the bone helps conduct heat for even cooking and adds flavor. If using boneless, skinless cuts, the cooking time will be significantly reduced, and the texture will be different (less “fried-like”).
- Butter: Melting butter in the pan provides a rich flavor and helps achieve that golden, crispy crust. You can substitute with olive oil or another cooking oil, but butter truly enhances the overall taste and browning.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Delicious Oven Baked Chicken
While this baked chicken is undoubtedly the star of the show, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your meal to a truly unforgettable experience. This recipe lends itself beautifully to classic comfort food pairings:
- Copy Cat KFC Cole Slaw: The original post mentions this for a reason! The cool, creamy, and slightly tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory chicken. It’s an essential element for recreating that beloved fried chicken meal experience. Find the recipe here!
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes are a timeless accompaniment. Their smooth texture and comforting flavor are the perfect counterpoint to the crispy chicken. Don’t forget a drizzle of gravy if you’re feeling indulgent!
- Roasted or Steamed Green Beans: For a touch of freshness and a healthy green component, serve with lightly roasted or steamed green beans. A sprinkle of toasted almonds can add extra texture.
- Corn on the Cob: Especially in summer, sweet corn on the cob is a simple yet delightful addition that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Dinner Rolls or Cornbread: Warm, soft dinner rolls or a slice of homemade cornbread are ideal for soaking up any delicious juices left on your plate.
- Simple Garden Salad: A light, crisp garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness of the meal, offering a refreshing palate cleanser.
Click here to get the irresistible Copy Cat KFC Cole Slaw recipe!
Making Weeknight Dinners a Breeze with Oven Baked Chicken
One of the most appealing aspects of this Easy Oven Baked Chicken recipe is its simplicity and relatively quick cooking time. With only about 2 minutes of active prep time and 50 minutes in the oven, you can have a full, satisfying meal on the table in just under an hour. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want homemade comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. The hands-off baking process allows you to prepare your side dishes while the chicken crisps to perfection in the oven. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and efficient way to enjoy chicken any day of the week, proving that delicious meals don’t always require extensive effort.
Conclusion: Your Go-To Recipe for Delicious Baked Chicken
Say goodbye to the deep fryer and hello to this incredible Easy Oven Baked Chicken! It’s the perfect solution for anyone craving the irresistible crunch and juicy tenderness of fried chicken but prefers a lighter, less messy alternative. With minimal prep and a straightforward baking process, you’ll achieve fantastic results every time. Whether you’re making it for a special family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a cherished staple in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and enjoy the golden, crispy perfection!
Recipe adapted from Betty Crocker